After visiting all the historic sites of Rome, what better way to spend your evening than sipping a glass of wine to quench that thirst? But where do you start with that long list proudly presented to you by the waiter? Fear not: Whether you are a wine buff or a wine buffoon, we are »Read more

Fancy something different with your glass of wine during your stay in Rome? Try one of these three centrally located bars which all come with a little something extra to taste alongside your drink—whether your interest is cheese, books, or motorbikes…. Obika Roma Mozzarella Bar Open from 10 AM to midnight Piazza di Firenze (not »Read more

One of the things about Rome that never fails to impress me is the value for money offered by the public transport system. While locals complain about the limited metro system (only two lines at present) and the endless strikes, you cannot help but be impressed at the simplicity of the “one ticket fits all” »Read more

A visit to Rome is not complete without seeing the Vatican. With its world-famous St. Peter’s Square, imposing dome, rather nice painted chapel ceiling, and fairly well-known resident, it has plenty of attractions. But with so much to see, where should you start? 1. St. Peter’s Square This vast space is famous for being the »Read more

Exploring the Piazza Navona in Rome’s historic center is like visiting London’s Covent Garden but with a warmer climate and with much older buildings. The Piazza Navona is where you can find street entertainers, mime artists, portrait painters, and street cafes set amongst the backdrop of baroque fountains and elegant period buildings. You are likely to »Read more

Whilst Italian food is considered to be among the best in the world, sadly you do not always get what you pay for. Tales of tourists being asked to pay €700 for a meal in Rome’s center (as happened during the summer) are happily rare, but substandard, overpriced fare is far more common that anyone »Read more

Things in Italy’s capital city are not always what they seem… Here’s a fun sightseeing walk around Rome‘s center that will illustrate the city’s penchant for illusions! This guided walk takes you around the center, from Mount Testaccio, over the Aventine Hill, past the “Mouth of Truth,” and then along the banks of the Tiber »Read more

Whether your idea of a good Christmas break is ice-skating under the watchful eye of an ancient castle, sharing midnight mass with the Pope, or simply eating and drinking too much, Rome is the perfect place to indulge and celebrate. So just how should you spend the festive season in Italy’s Eternal City? The Christmas »Read more

There is something about Caravaggio that fascinates people. Even those who would normally prefer to cross a street of hot coals than spend time looking at paintings seem happy to make an exception for this rebel of Counter-Renaissance Art. To celebrate Rome’s Caravaggio exhibition that has just opened at the Villa Borghese (and runs through January »Read more

By Samantha Collins in Rome– Note: This post was updated with new prices in May 2013. The Roma Pass is a three-day discount card that gives you free or discounted access to some of Rome’s top museums, as well as free use of the public transport system. Launched to encourage visitors into the museums, the »Read more

As the age old saying goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Many Romans (the Pope included) who have tired of eating glorious food, sipping on a hearty red, and throwing down a few espressos head for the hills. Literally. More specifically, they get themselves to one or more of the tiny villages, »Read more

Undeniably, Rome is a remarkable city with a thousand things to see and do. It’s not difficult to spend an entire day pounding the cobblestones taking in all that there is to experience. So when night falls, it’s often nice to just chill out and let yourself be entertained. Here are some of the best »Read more

Ostia Antica, one of Italy’s most interesting and best-preserved archaeological sites, is also one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Well, that’s certainly the impression one gets when arriving there, due to the distinctly unusual tranquility of the place, and the conspicuous lack of tour groups, roving guides, and buses. Considering that Ostia Antica is only a 30-minute train »Read more

When it comes to coffee, the Italians pretty much have it down pat. Like fashion, food and football, coffee is an art, a matter of national pride, and a daily ritual which is taken very, very seriously. It is actually quite hard to find a bad coffee in Rome. What is more difficult, however, is »Read more

When in Rome, want to eat like an Italian with the Italians? Want to escape overpriced tourist menus? Want to experience authentic Italian cuisine at the right price? Well, why not take the metro out of the historic centre and dine in the spots that only the locals know about! Here are three absolute gems that are »Read more

UPDATE SUMMER 2012: This pool no longer exists. The article below was published in 2009. —– Summer can be stifling in Rome and come August, most of the locals head for the hills. This year (2009), with more Romans staying put than in the past—and hordes of visitors filling the streets—Rome seems more crowded and »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome—Whether it’s dining al fresco, taking in the ancient sights, or paying a visit to one of the many piazzas, Rome offers lots of perfect places to indulge in the pleasure of people watching. The best part? Taking in a passerby or two is free and open to everyone. Just keep »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome—In Rome adherence to the bella figura (beautiful figure) is considered important. And, hey, for some of us – when in Rome – it’s more fun to do as the Romans do. Here are my top suggestions for escaping a visit from the style polizia. For the donna… Ride high! Whether »Read more

The distinctive Porta San Giovanni gate welcomes you to the Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood. The area lies south of Termini station, near enough to Rome’s center, but ideally located away from the hustle and bustle, and most tourists. Among other delights, Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood offers its share of interesting sights, cheap clothing opportunities, and sweet eats. Here’s »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome— The release of the movie “Angels and Demons” is set to do for Rome what “The Da Vinci Code” did for Paris—bring a lot more Dan Brown fans to town! But while Rome is currently afire with pricey “Angels and Demons”-inspired guided tours, you can visit most of the sights featured in the film »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome— Rome is the Eternal City, and like other hot spots around the globe, the nightlife is pretty eternally available here too. Next time you’re in Rome, why not check out some late night live music? Whether you prefer mellow jazz as background noise or a wild scene (mosh pit anyone?), »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome— Don’t want to get trampled by meal costs when in Rome? Read on for my tried, true, and tested cheap eat survival tips. 1) Watch out for package deals. Stay away from what I call the “slashers”: Anything that touts itself as an all-inclusive “Bar/Restaurant” or has a menu decreeing that it offers pizza/gelato/pasta. »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome— Rome, like most European destinations, has some delightful parks. Whether you plan to relax after a day on the town, or spend a free afternoon strolling through gardens, sitting and public—park, the Villa Doria Pamphilj. Named after two noble Italian families, this marvel sits West of the Tiber and just South »Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome— “Aperitivo” culture is catching on fast in Rome. For as little as €5, Cheapos-in-the-know can grab an early-evening cocktail or glass of wine at a local hot-spot, and then fill a plate full of yummy eats for free! Of course, the real reason to take advantage of aperitivo time in Rome is for the »Read more

Rome—It’s Friday night and you’re in the mood to grab a few drinks at a cool spot with some friends. Where can you find the right “vibe” without putting a dent in your wallet? Where can you sample delicious local wines? Step this way… Campo de’ Fiori: La Vineria A delightful watering hole overlooking the »Read more